Pre-literate “Japan” and “Korea”

Chapter 6: Early Korea to 935

6.1 Geographical Setting

• Korea's Geography: Approximately 600 miles long and 150 miles wide. 85,000 square miles, smaller than China but larger than Japan.

• Climate: Cold winters with heavy snowfall, hot and humid summers with monsoon rains.

• Agricultural Land: Most fertile land in the south, suitable for wet field rice cultivation; upland areas traditionally cultivated in dry crops like barley and millet.

• Rivers: Daedong and Han rivers are significant for agriculture but lack central roles like the Yellow and Yangzi rivers in China.

6.2 Early Historical Period (200 B.C.E – 313 C.E.)

• Early Inhabitants: Human habitation in Korea traces back 30,000 years with distinct cultures and artifacts from different tribes and confederations evolving throughout history.

• Chinese Influence: In 108 B.C.E, the Han Dynasty expanded, leading to increased cultural and technological exchanges, setting up commanderies for governance.

6.3 The Three Kingdoms (313-668)

• Emergence of States: The Three Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla based on competition and resistance to Chinese consolidation.

• Cultural Adoption: Korean elites adopted significant elements from Chinese culture, like Buddhism and the Confucian statecraft model, but maintained distinct identities.

6.4 Unified Silla (668-892)

• Unification: Silla successfully unified the peninsular territories after strategic alliances, particularly with Tang China.

• Statecraft and Infrastructure: Development of bureaucratic systems and administrative structures modeled after Tang, along with promoting Buddhism as state-sanctioned religion.

• Historical Sources: Early Korean histories from 1145 and 1279 reflect narratives framed by political victors, focusing on Silla's successes and legitimacy.

6.5 Balhae and the Later Three Kingdoms (698-926)

• Balhae: Emerged as a successor state to Goguryeo, claiming heritage but often seen as part of Inner Asian states due to its diverse ethnic composition including Malgal tribes.

• Cultural Legacy: Art and architecture influenced by Goguryeo and Tang cultures, showcasing a blend of Korean and broader East Asian influences.

6.6 Languages and Writing Systems

• Linguistic Classification: Korean and Japanese developed distinctly from Chinese, belonging to the Altaic language family, while Chinese is part of the Sino-Tibetan family.

• Writing Systems Development: Chinese writing spread to Korea and Japan, utilized in administrative and literary contexts, evolving into phonetic systems, like Hangul in Korea, invented in 1445 to promote literacy.

Chapter 7: Early State and Society in Japan (to 794)

7.1 The Geography of the Japanese Archipelago

• Topographical Influence: Islands shaped by volcanic mountains and climatic conditions conducive for agriculture near the Inland Sea.

• Environmental Challenges: Seasonal typhoons and heavy winter snows impacted agricultural stability.

7.2 Early Kingship in Late Yayoi (ca. 100–350)

• Tribute to China: Early records in Han sources highlight the existence of small kingdoms in Japan seeking recognition and military support from Chinese empires.

• Roles of Women: Notable queens such as Himiko managed complex alliances and led rituals central to their political power, suggesting co-governance with male counterparts.

7.3 The Formation of a Centered Polity (350–794)

• Yamato Power Consolidation: Rulers began unifying surrounding areas, adopting Chinese administrative practices, including tribute missions to secure legitimacy.

• Cultural Borrowings: Emphasis on integrating Confucian and Buddhist practices, prompting societal transformations that mirrored models from China.

• Religious Transformation: As Buddhism gained state support, it melded with local beliefs, influencing art, governance, and societal practices far and wide.

7.4 Material Culture: Haniwa

• Haniwa Figurines: Represent life and death; used as grave markers reflecting sociocultural significance of rituals and burials in ancient Japan.

Chapter 6: Early Korea to 935

6.1 Geographical Setting

• Korea's Geography: Korea is approximately 600 miles long and 150 miles wide, covering an area of about 85,000 square miles, making it smaller than adjacent China but larger than Japan. This geographical configuration has resulted in a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems.

• Climate: Korea experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall that can affect transportation and agriculture, while hot and humid summers are accompanied by monsoon rains, creating fertile conditions for certain crops.

• Agricultural Land: The most fertile regions are located in the southern part of the peninsula, which is ideal for wet-field rice cultivation. The northern upland areas, while less fertile, have historically supported the cultivation of dry crops like barley and millet. This agricultural diversity contributed to early social structures and settlement patterns.

• Rivers: Significant rivers in Korea include the Daedong and Han rivers, which are crucial for agriculture and trade. Unlike the Yellow and Yangzi rivers in China, these rivers did not play a central role in the political development of Korea but were vital for local farming and transport.

6.2 Early Historical Period (200 B.C.E – 313 C.E.)

• Early Inhabitants: Evidence shows that human habitation in Korea dates back over 30,000 years. This era saw the emergence of distinct cultures and artifacts from different tribes and confederations, which began forming complex societies.

• Chinese Influence: In 108 B.C.E, the Han Dynasty expanded its influence into Korea, establishing commanderies that facilitated increased cultural and technological exchanges. This led to early Korean societies adopting advanced agricultural techniques, bronze metallurgy, and elements of governance from China.

6.3 The Three Kingdoms (313-668)

• Emergence of States: The Three Kingdoms period was marked by the rise of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, which emerged in response to external pressures, especially from Chinese forces. Each kingdom had its own distinct political and cultural identity,

• Cultural Adoption: Although the Korean elites adopted significant elements from Chinese culture, including the introduction of Buddhism and Confucian thought, they maintained their unique identities through language, customs, and social structure, allowing for a dynamic cultural synthesis.

6.4 Unified Silla (668-892)

• Unification: Silla successfully unified the Korean Peninsula after forming strategic alliances with Tang China, which were critical for military strength and political stability. This unification facilitated a new era of cultural flourishing and governmental organization.

• Statecraft and Infrastructure: The Silla state developed advanced bureaucratic systems, adopting many administrative practices from Tang China. The promotion of Buddhism became a central aspect of state policy, fostering extensive temple building and religious art.

• Historical Sources: The early Korean historical texts, notably the Samguk Sagi (The History of the Three Kingdoms) from 1145 and the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) from 1279, reflect narratives framed by political victors and often emphasize the legitimacy and successes of Silla.

6.5 Balhae and the Later Three Kingdoms (698-926)

• Balhae: Emerging as a successor state to Goguryeo, Balhae claimed cultural and political heritage, integrating diverse ethnic groups, including the Malgal tribes. This state was pivotal in linking Korea to cultural exchanges with other Inner Asian regions.

• Cultural Legacy: Balhae’s art and architecture show significant influence from both Goguryeo and the Tang Dynasty, reflecting a blend of Korean traditions and broader East Asian influences, particularly visible in temple designs and burial practices.

6.6 Languages and Writing Systems

• Linguistic Classification: Korean and Japanese languages developed distinctly from Chinese, classified within the Altaic language family, which posits a shared root with Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic languages, while Chinese remains part of the Sino-Tibetan family.

• Writing Systems Development: The adoption of Chinese characters was pivotal in administrative and literary contexts in Korea and Japan. Over time, these systems evolved into phonetic writing systems, culminating in the creation of Hangul in the 15th century to enhance literacy among the general populace, emphasizing a unique Korean identity in written language.

Lecture 3: Pre-literate Japan and Korea

Introduction and Chronological Context

• This section delves into the distant past of the Korean Peninsula and the foundations of Japanese history through archaeological and historical records, examining the rise of early societies in both regions and their cultural developments.

The Distant Past on the Korean Peninsula

A) Early Inhabitants

• Evidence of human habitation dating back over 30,000 years presents a picture of early life marked by diverse tribes and cultures, each developing unique ways of living based on their surroundings. Archaeological sites indicate these populations relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing.

B) Comb Pattern Pottery and Early Sedentarism

• The emergence of comb-patterned pottery, characterized by distinctive decorative techniques, signifies the beginning of settled lifestyles. This pottery served both functional purposes for storage and cooking, and cultural expressions, suggesting the development of social and economic systems.

C) Bronze Age Society

• 1. Metallurgy

  • The Bronze Age marks the introduction of metallurgy to Korea, exemplified by artifacts such as mandolin-shaped daggers. These advancements not only improved tools and weapons but also facilitated trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions.

• 2. Dolmen and Signs of Stratification

  • Dolmens, which are large stone tombs, indicate early forms of social stratification. Their construction suggests organized labor and a hierarchical society where certain individuals were honored through elaborate burial practices.

Old Joseon/Choson (ca. 1000 BCE?)

• A) Chinese Accounts of the Founding

  • Early Chinese historical records reference the founding of Old Joseon, providing insights into its governance and society, reflecting interactions with powerful neighboring states.

  • B) Korean Accounts and the Legends of Dangun

    • The legend of Dangun, the mythological founder of Korea, embodies the origins of Korean identity and culture. His narrative, depicted through cultural artifacts such as the Dangun postage stamp in South Korea and built sites like the Dangun mausoleum in North Korea, emphasizes themes of national heritage and unity.

  • C) Conflict, Collapse, and the Rise of Wiman Joseon, ca. 194 BCE

    • 1. Origins

      • Wiman Joseon rose as a significant power amidst conflict, incorporating various ethnic groups and evolving from previous kingdoms.

    • 2. Iron and Expansion

      • The advancement of iron technology during this period facilitated military expansion and agricultural efficiency, allowing for larger populations and more sophisticated societal structures.

  • D) Han Invasion (108 BCE) and the Establishment of Commanderies

    • The Han Dynasty's invasion led to the establishment of commanderies, administrative divisions that allowed for closer control and governance of Korean territories, according to maps showing these commanderies relative to local cultures and governance.

Alongside and After the Commanderies: State-Building on the Peninsula

A) Southern Kingdoms and Confederations

• The emergence of southern kingdoms like Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo reflects the complexity of state-building processes, illustrated in maps highlighting the geographic and political interactions among these entities.

B) Goguryeo/Koguryo

• Goguryeo was pivotal in establishing a military and cultural identity, becoming one of the most influential states in early Korean history. Its existence is noted in historical texts and remains significant in discussions of regional dynamics.

An Introduction to Early Japanese History

A) Basic Periods: Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun

• The standard periodization highlights three key phases in Japanese prehistory, each reflecting shifts in societal structure, economy, and culture.

• B) The Jomon Period

  • 1. Discovery and Origins

    • Significant archaeological finds, such as the Omori shell mound, illuminate the ways of life during this era, revealing patterns of settlement and resource utilization dating back to approximately 14,000 BCE.

  • 2. Society and Economy

    • Artifacts, including pottery and figurines, suggest a hunter-gatherer society that engaged in a rich cultural life balanced with the seasonal availability of resources, as evidenced by sites like Sannai Maruyama showcasing early dwellings and communal spaces.

The Yayoi Period

• A) The Archaeological Basis of Our Knowledge

  • Artifacts from the Yayoi period signify a transition towards agricultural practices, particularly rice cultivation, showcasing societal advancement through pottery and tools.

• B) Village Structure, Architecture, and Hints about Socio-Economic Life

  • Evidence from sites such as Yoshinogari underscores agricultural innovation and communal living arrangements, reflecting complex societies that supported larger populations through organized labor.

• C) Evidence for Long-Distance Trade

  • Artifacts like Yayoi-era bronze spear tips indicate robust trade networks linking Japan to the Korean peninsula, furthering regional economic integration and cultural exchange.

C) Who Were the Yayoi? Some Recent Evidence

• Recent archaeological findings suggest connections between Yayoi culture and the Liaodong Peninsula, indicating migration patterns and cultural interactions with other East Asian populations.

The Kofun Period (Starting around 250 CE)

• A) Mounds and Tombs

  • The construction of burial mounds, like Oninoiwaya and Daisen Kofun, signifies the emergence of elevated social hierarchies and complex funerary practices, illustrated through maps showing distribution and scale of these sites across Japan.

• B) Evidence of Foreign Connections

  • Artifacts from sites, including murals at the Tamatsuzuka site, reveal cultural influences from Korea, indicative of active exchanges in art styles and social customs during this critical period.

• C) Labor Requirements of the Tombs and Implications for Social Organization

  • The demands of tomb construction suggest organized labor and resource allocation, pivotal for understanding social hierarchies, workforce management, and community dynamics during the Kofun period.

• D) Evidence of Mass Migration

  • Archaeological evidence indicates possible migratory waves into the Japanese islands from the Asian mainland, leading to cultural transformations and socio-political developments.

Conclusion

A) “Jomon Culture” in Modern Japanese Thought

• Post-WWII perceptions of Jomon culture encompass themes of national identity and heritage, influencing contemporary discussions on cultural nationalism in Japan.

• B) Making Ancestors

• Cultural practices surrounding ancestor worship and memory remain integral in fostering national unity and historical consciousness, underscoring the enduring legacy of early cultures in modern Japanese society.

jomon culture

The Jomon culture, which existed in Japan from around 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE, is recognized for its distinct pottery and unique adaptation to natural resources. Characterized by its cord-marked pottery, the Jomon period showcases some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in Japan.

Key Aspects of Jomon Culture:

1. Pottery:

   • The term "Jomon" means "cord-marked" in Japanese, referring to the unique patterns impressed into the pottery using twisted cord. This pottery was used for cooking and storage and is notable for its durability and artistic designs. Jomon pottery indicates a sophisticated understanding of materials and techniques for its time, varying significantly in form and decoration throughout the period.

2. Subsistence:

   • Jomon people were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on fishing, foraging, and small-scale cultivation. They utilized the diverse ecosystems of the Japanese archipelago, which provided abundant natural resources. This lifestyle allowed the Jomon people to thrive in various environments, from coastal zones to forested areas.

3. Social Structure:

   • Communities were likely organized into small, kin-based groups. Archaeological evidence, such as dwelling sites and communal structures, suggests a degree of social organization, possibly involving shared resources and collective hunting or gathering efforts.

4. Art and Rituals:

   • The people of the Jomon era also created figurines called "dogu," which are thought to have had ritualistic or spiritual significance. These often exaggerated forms, depicting human figures, suggest a rich cultural and spiritual life that may have included beliefs in the supernatural.

5. Settlement Patterns:

   • Jomon culture demonstrated a gradual shift towards more sedentary lifestyles, particularly in the latter part of the Jomon period, where larger and more permanent settlements appeared. Sites like Sannai Maruyama show evidence of large communal living structures, which imply a shift toward social complexity.

6. Technological Advances:

   • Alongside pottery, the Jomon people developed tools made from stone, bone, and antler, which were essential for daily life including hunting and gathering activities. Their innovation in tool-making reflects adaptation to the environment and the demands of their lifestyle.

The Jomon period laid important foundations for subsequent Japanese cultures, contributing heavily to the agricultural practices and beliefs that would develop in later periods, like the Yayoi. Overall, Jomon culture represents a significant chapter in Japan's early history, combining practical survival strategies with rich artistic expression and social organization.